Prince Charles states that he is bewildered as to why, despite being continuously warned , there is a “business-as-usual” attitude in the global fight against climate change.

The Prince of Wales has warned of the "catastrophic" consequences of inaction on issues such as climate change, at a UN sustainability conference in Brazil.

Prince Charles said he had "watched in despair" at the slow pace of progress on the "critical issues of the day".

He urged world leaders to adopt a more integrated approach to issues such as climate change and food security.

“One thing is clear. We need to be much more informed about the actual state of the planet. It is, perhaps, a trait of human nature to act only when the worst happens, but that is not a trait we can afford to rely on here.”